HELEN MORRISSEY
Alcoa Aerospace (Hall 4, D14) has produced a prototype blast-resistant unitary load device (ULD).
Called the Fortress Container can be used for passenger luggage or freight. Made of hardened aluminium alloys, it uses advanced welding processes to fix the skin onto the container frame.
The aluminium structure is designed to withstand pressure loads from an explosion, while an interior Kevlar lining protects against blast fragments.
The Fortress Container has a modular kit design which allows the containers to be rapidly assembled and makes replacement of damaged panels easy.
The panels can also be assembled at different lengths inside a belly cargo hold to serve as protective lining.
The prototype on display is an LD-3 version, the worldwide standard for widebody airliners.
Expertise
Other versions could be developed for use on smaller, narrowbody aircraft.
Alcoa hopes the product will achieve US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the first half of 2003. The Fortress Container further demonstrates Alcoa's expertise in aluminium-based armour protection.
"Our Fortress Container is part of Alcoa Aerospace's growing line of products that provide enhanced safety and security for airlines, the passengers and employees," says Patrick Hassey, executive vice-president, Alcoa Industrial Components.
"It joins our Fortress Reinforced Cockpit Door, which is currently undergoing FAA certification."
Source: Flight Daily News
